Here are eight things to watch for during the first Republican debate of the 2016 presidential election cycle.

Here are eight things to watch for during the first Republican debate of the 2016 presidential election cycle.

Here are eight things to watch for during the first Republican... Photo-8418953.114660 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 2 of 10

1. Donald Trump could trump his past Trump-isms.

The Republican frontrunner has proven adept at sticking his foot in his mouth since announcing his presidential bid in June, referring to Mexican immigrants as rapists and criminals and questioning Sen. John McCain's war hero bona fides. Will Trump say something outrageous during Thursday's debate or police his mouth?

Some of Trump's biggest Republican critics — including former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham — didn't make the cut for Thursday's debate. The remaining candidates may gang up on the frontrunner or keep it civil.

Republicans have long been foes of abortion rights, but candidates will likely use the release of several highly-edited videos released by anti-abortion activists depicting Planned Parenthood employees negotiating the sale of parts of aborted fetuses to crusade against the medical procedure.

For weeks, Republicans have criticized the deal struck between the U.S. and Iranian governments to allow Iran to continue a limited nuclear program but prevent them from obtaining a nuclear bomb. International sanctions against Iran would be lifted under the deal.

But, it's not clear what Republican candidates at the debate could propose other than opposing the decision and vowing support for religious freedom, the Republican mantra taken up in the decision's aftermath.

Candidates will undoubtedly bash the former Secretary of State over her role in the 2012 Benghazi attack that left four dead, including a U.S. ambassador, and her use of a private email account to conduct government business.